See “Global Africa: Nick Cave” at the National Museum of the American Indian. The artist has created “soundsuits” made from found objects such as fabric, feathers, beads, and more to create costumes referencing the dress of West African masquerades. The artist is discussing his most recent creations from 7 to 9. Free; first come, first served.

Friday, January 14The famous tale of the storyteller Scheherazade comes to life in Arena Stage’sThe Arabian Nights. The production, written and directed by Mary Zimmerman, runs through February 20. Buy tickets ($40 and up) on the Arena Stage Web site.

Urban Arias produces short (between five and 15 minutes) contemporary operas. The company wants the art form to be fun, accessible, and give emerging composers a chance to shine. There are shows at 7 and 9 at Artisphere. Buy tickets ($15) via the Artisphere site.

The 9:30 Club Backbar is hosting District After Dark: Guns vs. Snowballs, a dance party featuring Lucas Smudge, D$auce, and DJ Macaulay. 11 PM; no cover.

Saturday, January 15The DC Arts Center is hosting RagnaRock, bringing together a random mix of comedy, music, and theater. Veteran Washington comedians will perform, along with the local band City Limits and a production of “Thor! The Musical.” 10 PM. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Twenty local artists created a series of five monoprints, and one print by each was selected for display in the exhibit “In Unison: 20 Washington, DC Artists” at the Kreeger Museum. It’s part of a collaboration with Sam Gilliam, a member of the Washington Color School. Admission to the museum is $10; Saturdays don’t require reservations.

In celebration of its 90th anniversary, the Phillips Collection is free admission all weekend. There’ll be art-inspired birthday cakes, free Champagne, tours of the collection, and film screenings from 10 to 5 today and 11 to 6 on Sunday.

It’s the last day to catch “Books Without Words: The Visual Poetry of Elisabetta Gut” at the National Museum for Women in the Arts. The contemporary Italian artist creates expressive three-dimensional “collage-poems” and “book-objects.” Admission is $10.